The Daily App: SketchBook Express For Android, iOS

Web developers who use Adobe Design and think it a great tool should consider implementing today’s Daily App, SketchBook Express, into their design process.

Free for Android and iOS SketchBook Express by 3-D design software developer Autodesk has an easy-to-use UI. Well suited for working in conjunction with programs such as Adobe Design, SketchBook Express can move projects from one program to the other, manipulate images, quickly edit or create markups for Web designs, and do so from a mobile device, providing a fast and easier way to work.

SketchBook Express is a befitting app for Web designers because of its layering ability. The free app provides three layers, and SketchBook Pro for the iPad provides six to eighteen layers, depending on the generation. Layers can be toggled for visibility, and the opacity can also be adjusted. Photos can be duplicated, merged and reordered. Uploading and downloading canvases syncs with the cloud where creations may be shared on Twitter, Facebook or anyplace a photo can be uploaded.

SketchBook Express can also help with creating presentations. Its ability to integrate and manipulate logos, color schemes and branding, as well as Microsoft's Smart Art graphics, images and charts, creates a professional non-generic looking presentation.

It opens with a quick tutorial showing a sketched hand mimicking swiping, pinching and tapping gestures needed to access the various toolbars. Fifteen paintbrushes are available with pencils, pens, markers and a fill tool. For $1.99, SketchBook Express Pro comes with the complete brush toolkit.

PUBLISHED AUG. 3, 2012